Randsburg in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Joint

Est. 1955

courtesy E Clampus Vitus, April 12, 2025

1. The Joint Marker

Inscription.

The Joint. Est. 1955. , This historic building first served as a Steam Bakery owned and operated by Henry Rott, a German immigrant who was a baker and confectioner in Randsburg from 1898 to 1904. In 1904 Henry Rott sold one half of his business to a Mrs. W. O. (Martha) Lidy. In 1905 they purchased an Edison Heating and Lighting Plant for the bakery in what now houses "THE JOINT". , , Located in the Rand Mining District, Rand Mining Camp Est. 1895, AKA: Randsburg, The Joint has been the center of Randsburg's social life for almost 70 years, for the longest family-run business in Randsburg. , , James Guyett, of Irish Descent, was a Decorated Purple Heart Recipient, Navy Corpsman that served in the South Pacific in world war two, and was also a Hard Rock Miner, and Business owner. , , Olga Rizzardini, of Italian Descent, born in Falls River, MA, Sept 24, 1911. When her first husband, Charles Shotwell, died in San Bernardino in 1948, she packed up her three children and moved to Randsburg, where her brother Mac was the owner of "Economy Market", where Olga later said "We sold everything, groceries, hardware, dynamite, and shoes, whatever was needed". Six years later she married James Guyett. He was a hardrock miner, pulling gold, silver, and tungsten out of the ground, and had a Government Contract for the tungsten. , , A building in town that Olga said was constructed in 1927 to house a bakery came up for sale. James was making good money with that Government contract, and the Guyetts were able to pay cash for the building and turned it into the bar and restaurant known as The Joint in 1955. , , Sadly, James passed away in 1968, but just prior to his death, he removed the restaurant portion and purchased a player piano, pool tables and Juke box. This would enable Olga to carry on the family business. She walked to work every day, never drove a car, and kept to her strong sense of business and family values. Olga became very loved in the area. Folks from all over the world grew to admire this remarkable lady. Then sadly, Olga passed away in 2012, just short of her 101st birthday. Of course, her 100th birthday celebration took place in The Joint. , , James and Olga's legacy continues to live on through their children and grandchildren. 2nd generation owners: Charles, Eddie and Neil Shotwell Sr. and Bernadette Hyles. And now, 3rd generation owners: Neil Jr. and Hollie Shotwell are continuing with their family's valued traditions. , , Dedicated 19 April 2025 by the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus Peter LeBeck Chapter 1866, Inc.

This historic building first served as a Steam Bakery owned and operated by Henry Rott, a German immigrant who was a baker and confectioner in Randsburg from 1898 to 1904. In 1904 Henry Rott sold one half of his business to a Mrs. W. O. (Martha) Lidy. In 1905 they purchased an Edison Heating and Lighting Plant for the bakery in what now houses "THE JOINT".

Located in the Rand Mining District, Rand Mining Camp Est. 1895, AKA: Randsburg, The Joint has been the center of Randsburg's social life for almost 70 years, for the longest family-run business in Randsburg.

James Guyett, of Irish Descent, was a Decorated Purple Heart Recipient, Navy Corpsman that served in the South Pacific in WWII, and was also a Hard Rock Miner, and Business owner.

Olga Rizzardini, of Italian Descent, born in Falls River, MA, Sept 24, 1911. When her first husband, Charles Shotwell, died in San Bernardino in 1948, she packed up her three children and moved to Randsburg, where her brother Mac was the owner of "Economy Market", where Olga later said "We sold everything, groceries, hardware, dynamite, and shoes, whatever was needed". Six years later she married James Guyett. He was a hardrock miner, pulling gold, silver, and tungsten out of the ground, and had a Government Contract for the tungsten.

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A building in town that Olga said was constructed in 1927 to house a bakery came up for sale. James was making good money with that Government contract, and the Guyetts were able to pay cash for the building and turned it into the bar and restaurant known as The Joint in 1955.

Sadly, James passed away in 1968, but just prior to his death, he removed the restaurant portion and purchased a player piano, pool tables & Juke box. This would enable Olga to carry on the family business. She walked to work every day, never drove a car, and kept to her strong sense of business and family values. Olga became very loved in the area. Folks from all over the world grew to admire this remarkable lady. Then sadly, Olga passed away in 2012, just short of her 101st birthday. Of course, her 100th birthday celebration took place in The Joint.

James and Olga's legacy continues to live on through their children and grandchildren. 2nd generation owners: Charles, Eddie & Neil Shotwell Sr. & Bernadette Hyles. And now, 3rd generation owners: Neil Jr. & Hollie Shotwell are continuing with their family's valued traditions.

Dedicated 19 April 2025 by the Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus Peter LeBeck Chapter 1866, Inc.

Erected 2025 by E Clampus Vitus Peter LeBeck Chapter

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 7, 2025

2. The Joint Marker

Prior to the unveiling.

1866.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1955.

Location. 35° 22.087′ N, 117° 39.356′ W. Marker is in Randsburg, California, in Kern County. It is on Butte Avenue east of Redrock Randsburg Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 165 Butte Ave, Johannesburg CA 93528, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley,

specifically in the Central Valley,

and in the Sierra Nevada.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Joint (here, next to this marker); Randsburg Drug Store (within shouting distance of this marker); D.T. Jones Dry Goods (within shouting distance of this marker); White House Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Rand Desert Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Rand Mining District (within shouting distance of this marker); The Commercial Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Randsburg, California (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Randsburg.

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 7, 2025

3. The Joint

Photographed by Craig Baker, April 7, 2025

4. The Joint

5. The Joint

This photo is on the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 193 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 16, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.